The Synthesis of a Cockroach PheromonePatty L. FeistThis paper describes the synthesis of gentisyl quinone isovalerate or blattellaquinone, a sex pheromone of the German cockroach and a compound with real-world applications. The experiment also affords students practice in extraction as well as IR and NMR spectroscopy.Feist, Patty L. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1548.

Esters |

IR Spectroscopy |

Natural Products |

NMR Spectroscopy |

Oxidation / Reduction |

Synthesis

Experimental Design and Optimization: Application to a Grignard ReactionNaoual Bouzidi and Christel GozziThis 5-week project, which systematically investigates optimizing the synthesis of benzyl-1-cyclopentan-1-ol, constitutes an initiation into research methodology and experimental design to prepare the student-engineer for an industry internship. Other pedagogical goals include experience in synthetic techniques, obtaining reproducible yields, and using quantitative analysis methods.Bouzidi, Naoual; Gozzi, Christel. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1544.